建前

• Reading: たてまえ
• Romaji: tatemae
• Kanji breakdown: 建 (tate) — build, construct; 前 (mae) — front, before
• Pronunciation: /tatemae/

Meaning

Official stance; public position; stated principle; facade. The position one presents in public, which may differ from one's true feelings.

One of the most culturally significant concepts in Japanese social interaction, 建前 is the counterpart to 本音 (one's true feelings or intentions). Maintaining appropriate 建前 is an essential social skill in Japan, enabling harmony (和) in groups. It is not considered dishonest; rather, the gap between 建前 and 本音 is a socially accepted lubricant that preserves face and relationships.

Examples

1. 建前では賛成しているが、本音では反対なのは明らかだ。 In terms of the official stance they are in agreement, but it is clear that their true feelings are opposed.
2. 会議では建前の議論しかされず、本質的な問題は棚上げされた。 The meeting was confined to discussion of the official position, and the fundamental issues were shelved.
3. 日本社会では建前と本音を使い分ける能力が求められる。 Japanese society demands the ability to switch between one's public stance and one's true feelings.

Usage Guide

Context: social norms, workplace, politics, cross-cultural studies

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Originally an architectural term referring to the ridge-beam raising ceremony (上棟式) in traditional construction — the public, visible framework of a building. The metaphorical sense of an outward framework or public face evolved during the Edo period.

Cultural Context

Era: Edo–Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: General